WaterTower Theatre (WTT) and Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin are proud to announce the 2008-2009 season for WTT’s Main Stage and Discover Series as well as the headliner for the 2009 Out of the Loop Fringe Festival. WTT’s thirteenth season promises to entertain and engage audiences with rousing musicals, classic dramas, side-splitting comedies and highly anticipated regional premieres. The season will consist of twelve fully-staged productions as well as the highly successful Out of the Loop Fringe Festival.
“I think our patrons will find this to be a year of theatrical events that will delight all audiences," states Martin. “The Main Stage productions are grounded in a unique blend of significant (but familiar) classics both dramatic and musical, as well as remarkable new plays that will enthrall and inspire. This season truly speaks to the distinctiveness we have built and lived for the last 10 years."
WTT’s 2008-2009 Main Stage season consists of:
AREA PREMIERE Doubt, a Parable by John Patrick Shanley October 2 – 26, 2008
Father Flynn, a charismatic young priest, is adored by his students; Sister Aloysius, an unbending principal, is pleased by the fear she invokes in them. When Father Flynn begins to take special interest in a new student, Sister Aloysius begins to think the unthinkable. But when a nun’s suspicion is weighed against the word of a priest, how does one determine the truth? The winner of 24 major awards, including the 2005 Pulitzer Prize, Doubt, a Parable is a gripping exploration of the question, “What do you do when you’re not sure?"
Violet Book & Lyrics by Brian Crawley; Music by Jeanine Tesori January 15 – February 8, 2009
When Violet was 13 years old, a tragic accident left her scarred for life. Now an adult, she must embark on a cross-country pilgrimage to find a cure for her ailment - a journey that will reconcile the tragic events of her past with the harsh realities of her present. Boasting a score that mixes country, bluegrass and R&B, Violet is the story of one woman's healing journey to discover love, courage, and the meaning of acceptance.
Our Town by Thornton Wilder April 2 – 26, 2009
WaterTower Theatre continues to explore the canon of American classics with the Pulitzer Prize-winning Our Town. Set at the turn of the 20th century, the play examines the ordinary lives of the people of Grover's Corners, New Hampshire. A boy and girl meet as teenagers and succumb to adolescent affections before maturing, marrying, and having a child of their own. Unassuming in its simplicity and universality, Our Town is one of the most beloved masterpieces of the American Theatre.
REGIONAL PREMIERE Indoor/Outdoor By Kenny Finkle May 21 – June 14, 2009
Samantha is having some serious problems. Her friend Shuman doesn’t always understand her. Her therapist treats her like a stray. And she’s kept from being with her true love by a sliding glass door. It’s definitely not easy being a housecat. Quirky and warm-hearted, Indoor/Outdoor examines the world though the eyes of a frisky housecat to see if the grass is greener on the other side of the pet door.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Music & Lyrics by Frank Loesser; Book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, & Willie Gilbert July 16 – August 9, 2009
From the authors of Guys and Dolls comes one of the most delightfully irreverent musicals of all time. Follow the rise of J. Pierpont Finch as he climbs the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive. As Finch climbs to the top, he must tackle the formidable dangers of the office party, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction, and true love. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is a ground-breaking satire of American big business.
In addition to the Main Stage season, WaterTower Theatre will also produce the following season extras:
HOLIDAY EXTRA - REGIONAL PREMIERE Beautiful Star: An Appalachian Nativity by Preston Lane, with original music by Laurelyn Dossett November 28 – December 21, 2008
Reverend Roy Ledbetter and the congregation of the Open Heart Community Fellowship Church bring the Christmas story to life in an Appalachian setting with down-home laughter, toe-tapping music and a tug at the heart. In the tradition of the medieval mystery plays of Old England, Beautiful Star weaves music, humor and wonder together, re-telling great stories from the Bible in a festive gathering of family, friends and faith.
HOLIDAY EXTRA - REGIONAL PREMIERE This Wonderful Life by Steve Murray December 3 – 21, 2008
Share the hope and humor of Frank Capra’s adored classic Christmas film It’s a Wonderful Life re-imagined as a one-man tour de force. There’s the family man George Bailey; evil and miserly Mr. Potter; Clarence, the dotty angel-in-waiting; devoted Mary; and Zuzu with her petals. But we can’t forget the image of a man standing alone on a bridge on Christmas Eve...the story of how he got there, and how he found his way back home. Brimming with hope and humor, This Wonderful Life is a must-see event that will provide the perfect start to your family's holiday festivities.
SEASON EXTRA Out of the Loop Fringe Festival March 5 – 15, 2009
For the past seven years, WaterTower Theatre’s Out of the Loop Fringe Festival has wowed audiences with an exciting and unmatched artistic lineup. Featuring some of the best acts in theatre, music, dance and art from around the region, OOTL continues to bring all three spaces of the Addison Theatre Centre alive with exciting, contemporary work. WaterTower Theatre is proud to announce the 2009 OOTL Fringe Festival headliner! Charlie Ross will bring his internationally acclaimed One Man Star Wars Trilogy to the Addison Theatre Centre for five electrifying performances.
Expanding upon the success of its inaugural year, WTT will present an expanded Discover Series in the Addison Theatre Centre’s Studio Theatre. The 2008-2009 Discover Series will consist of:
REGIONAL PREMIERE Make Me a Song: The Music of William Finn Music & Lyrics by William Finn; Conceived by Rob Ruggio October 30 – November 23, 2008
The composer and lyricist of the musicals Falsettos, A New Brain and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, William Finn has been a staple of the American theatre for 30 years. At once witty, wistful, neurotic and brave, Finn’s music has been revered by audiences and critics alike. Using a quartet of singers and a single piano, Make Me a Song is a musical celebration of one of our musical theatre greats.
REGIONAL PREMIERE A Feminine Ending by Sarah Treem January 29 – February 22, 2009
Amanda Blue has put her music career on hold. It takes a long time to write a symphony; besides, there are other considerations. She has a full-time job. Her boyfriend is about to become famous. Her mother is planning to leave her father. And she’s re-connecting with the one that got away. A new romantic comedy, A Feminine Ending is about dreams deferred, loves lost and learning to trust a woman’s voice in a man’s world.
REGIONAL PREMIERE Based on a Totally True Story by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa April 16 – May 3, 2009
Ethan Keene, playwright and comic book writer, is on the verge of having it all – success, money, and a Hollywood movie credit. But getting to that Hollywood Premiere may be more dramatic than the movie. His father is having a marital crisis, his boyfriend is begging for more attention, and his producer is demanding a re-write. Based on a Totally True Story is the story of one wanna-be screenwriter’s attempt to find his own happy ending before the final credits roll.
REGIONAL PREMIERE The Receptionist by Adam Bock June 4 – 28, 2009
At the start of a typical day in the Northeast Office, Beverly deals effortlessly with ringing phones and her colleague's romantic troubles. But the appearance of a charming rep from the Central Office disrupts the friendly routine. And as the true nature of the company's business becomes apparent, Beverly realizes that her life as The Receptionist will never be the same.
Season tickets for WTT’s 2008-2009 Main Stage season can be purchased by calling the box office at 972.450.6232. Season ticket prices range from $75 to $150. Individual ticket prices range from $22 to $40 per show. Performance times are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM. For further information regarding WTT season tickets, visit their website at www.watertowertheatre.org. Season extras are currently available only to season subscribers. Prices and show times for season extras vary. For specific information on season extras, call the WTT box office at 972.450.6232.
Season tickets for WTT’s 2008-2009 Discover Series are $65 each for Regular Performances and $80 each for Opening Nights and can be purchased by calling the box office at 972.450.6232. Individual tickets range from $20 - $25. Performance times are Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM.
For the past eleven years, WaterTower Theatre has proven itself to be on the forefront of both the regional and Dallas theatre communities. WTT has been recognized for artistic excellence by the Dallas Theatre League, Dallas/Fort Worth Theater Critics Forum, The Dallas Morning News, The Dallas Observer, D Magazine and Star-Telegram, among others. WaterTower Theatre has a subscription base in excess of 2,400 subscribers and serves an audience base of over 30,000 patrons annually. WaterTower Theatre is supported in part by the Town of Addison, TACA, The Texas Commission on the Arts, and Rainmaker Advertising.
4/24/08 - WTT Accepting Enrollment for Summer Performing Arts Conservatory
WaterTower Theatre's two week, fun-filled Summer Conservatory will introduce you to kids who share your love of acting, singing and dancing!
At the Summer Performing Arts Conservatory, go beyond the traditional idea of a summer camp with a unique, non-competitive, nurturing program that caters to students who want to immerse themselves in all aspects of theatre arts.
Our classes, taught by highly skilled professionals, offer a small class size - guaranteeing that each student receives the individual attention necessary to learn theatre skills as well as life skills - confidence, self-esteem and a love of creativity.
Classes for younger participants include acting, audition technique, dance, voice, and art.
Older children will explore techniques in scene study, playwriting, Shakespeare, improvisation, stage make-up, musical theatre, dance, costume design, voice, audition technique, and film.
Each session culminates in a Showcase Presentation for family and friends highlighting skills and techniques acquired during classes.
4/03/2008 - WTT Concludes "Discover Series" with Tuesdays with Morrie
WaterTower Theatre (WTT) concludes its inaugural “Discover Series" with Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of Mitch Albom’s bestseller Tuesdays with Morrie.
When his former Brandeis sociology professor and mentor is diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a career-obsessed sportswriter plans a brief visit to re-connect and say goodbye. As their friendship rekindles and the visits become a weekly ritual, both teacher and student discover a tender and touching connection to each other. A powerful, deeply emotional story, Tuesdays with MorrieM examines the true meaning of life and love.
Tuesdays with Morrie is a memoir chronicling Albom’s relationship with his favorite sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz, compiled from meetings with Morrie on Tuesday's during his fight with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). After being featured prominently on Oprah Winfrey's show, the book became a New York Times best-seller. Albom's next foray was in fiction. His next book was The Five People You Meet in Heaven published in September of 2003. This book was a success and again launched Albom onto the New York Times best-seller list.
Directed by Jonathan Taylor, Tuesdays with Morrie stars Joe Nemmers and Gary Taggart.
Tuesdays with Morrie runs April 24 – May 17 (no performances on May 9 – 11) in the Addison Theatre Centre’s Studio Theatre, which is located at 15650 Addison Road in Addison, Texas. Performance times are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling the WTT Box Office at 972.450.6232. Group rates are also available.
Now in its twelfth season, WaterTower Theatre has proven itself to be on the forefront of both the regional and Dallas theatre communities. WTT has been recognized for artistic excellence by the Dallas Theatre League, Dallas/Fort Worth Theater Critics Forum, The Dallas Morning News, The Dallas Observer, D Magazine and Star-Telegram, among others. WaterTower Theatre has a subscription base in excess of 2,400 subscribers and serves an audience base of over 30,000 patrons annually. WaterTower Theatre is supported in part by the Town of Addison, TACA, and The Texas Commission on the Arts.
Coming off the record setting 2007 Out of the Loop Festival, this year's festival continued to set records of its own. Nearly 4,200 patrons took in the 10 day stretch of music, theatre, dance and art. Twenty three companies throughout the region and country participated in this year's festival with over 60 individual performances.
WaterTower Theatre would like to thank Jimmy John's in Addison and Chef Pete with Chef Pete Catering and Ice for their generous donations during the festival!
Thank you to all those who came out to this year's Out of the Loop Festival and for making it one of WTT's most exciting and successful festivals to date!
2/18/2008 - WTT's 2008 Spotlight Gala A Huge Success!
WaterTower Theatre’s annual gala has become one of the area's major social events of the year and Spotlight 2008 proved to be no exception with over 220 people in attendance. The evening was an amazing success, raising more money for the theatre’s productions and education programs than ever before!
2/05/2008 - Dixie’s Tupperware Party & Blackbird Headline
WaterTower’s 7th Annual Out of the Loop Festival
Expanding upon the success of the past six years, WaterTower Theatre is pleased to announce plans for its seventh annual Out of the Loop Festival.
A 10-day celebration of theatre, dance, music and art, the Out of the Loop Festival features performances by WaterTower Theatre as well as other arts organizations from the local area and region. The Festival will run March 6 – 16, 2008. Performances will be held at the Addison Theatre Centre, which contains three performance venues: the Festival Main Stage (seating approximately 180), the Studio Theatre (seating approximately 70), and the Stone Cottage (seating approximately 50).
The 2004 Dallas/Fort Worth Theatre Critics Forum awarded the Out of the Loop Festival with a special citation for providing performance opportunities to new works and new production companies. Attendance for the 2007 Festival reached an all-time high of 4,500 patrons over 10 days.
Headlining the 2008 festival will be New York based artist Dixie Longate in Dixie’s Tupperware Party and WaterTower Theatre’s Regional Premiere of David Harrower’s Blackbird.
Dixie Longate, the fast-talking Tupperware Lady, has packed up her catalogues and left her children in an Alabama trailer park to journey to Big D for Dixie’s Tupperware Party. Join Dixie as she throws a good ol’ fashioned Tupperware Party filled with outrageous tales, free giveaways, and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold in Texas. See for yourself how Ms. Longate became the number one Tupperware seller in the world as she educates her guests on the many alternative uses she has discovered for her plastic products! One of the most talked-about plays in recent years,
David Harrower’s Blackbird comes to life in WaterTower’s thrilling production. Fifteen years ago, Una and Ray had an affair. Now she arrives unexpectedly at Ray’s workplace, forcing Ray to come to grips with their relationship in a powerful and volatile exchange that will change both their lives forever. Blackbird will be directed by former Plano Repertory Theatre Artistic Director Mark Fleischer.
Additionally, WaterTower will host a Playwriting Workshop with acclaimed playwright and television writer Debra Fordham, who is currently a writer for NBC Television’s Scrubs. While at Scrubs, Debra collaborated with the Tony-Award winning composers of Avenue Q to write the Scrubs musical episode. For her work on the hit NBC show, Debra has earned three Emmy nominations and a Peabody Award. Debra is also the playwright of Valdosta State University’s 2008 Out of the Loop Presentation, Holler Me Home. Her Playwriting Workshop is intended for anyone who has ever dreamed of writing for either the stage or television and will examine the differences in writing for the two very different mediums. The workshop will take place on Saturday, March 15, from 10 AM to 4 PM and costs $50.
The 2008 Out of the Loop Festival will take place March 6 – 16. Tickets to all events go on sale February 19. Festival Passes, which include one admission to each festival event (excluding the Playwriting Workshop) and an advance reservation option, are currently available for $50 by calling the WaterTower Theatre Box Office at 972.450.6232. Admission to the Playwriting Workshop is $50.
Bidding Begins Today for WTT's First Ever Online Auction!
Help kick off WTT's first ever online auction with a bang! Check out the following list of fabulous items that are up for auction exclusively online:
Trip for Two to the Tony Awards, 7 Day / 6 Night Vacation Package to Acapulco, White Water Rafting Trip for Four in Maine, Nascar Racing Package and more!
Proceeds from this event benefit WaterTower Theatre's Artistic and Education Programs.
12/01/07 - iBakeSale: A Unique Shopping Experience Just In Time For The Holidays
WaterTower Theatre is excited to introduce iBakeSale, a new program that helps WaterTower Theatre raise money every time you shop at your favorite stores.
iBakeSale has partnered with hundreds of merchants like Nordstrom's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Linens & Things, The Gap, PetSmart and many others to offer you up to 20% cash-back rewards on every online purchase you make through iBake Sale.
When you sign up, please choose to donate your savings to WaterTower Theatre. Your donation will be sent directly to WTT. Giving while you shop - there's nothing better!
11/13/2007 - WaterTower Theatre Receives 5 Leon Rabin Awards
On November 12, the Dallas Theatre League honored WaterTower Theatre with 5 Leon Rabin Awards. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for an outstanding theatre season!
• Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, Play - James Crawford for Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
• Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role, Play - Kristina Baker for Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
• Outstanding Set Design, Play - Clare Floyd DeVries for The Sugar Bean Sisters
• Outstanding Lighting Design, Musical - Jason S. Foster for Man of La Mancha
• Outstanding Lighting Design, Play - Jason S. Foster for The Sugar Bean Sisters
10/31/2007 - WaterTower Theatre Brings Back Rockin’ Christmas Party and The Santaland Diaries
WaterTower Theatre (WTT) brings back two hit shows this holiday season, Rockin’ Christmas Party and The Santaland Diaries.
After a three year hiatus, Rockin’ Christmas Party returns to the WaterTower stage. Six of the hippest performers in town and a swingin’ live band “rock around the Christmas tree" as they groove to the Top 40 hits of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. Grab your hairspray, platform shoes, and Santa hat – and let the cast of Rockin’ Christmas Party “sock it to ya!"
Directed by James Paul Lemons, Rockin’ Christmas Party features Chimberly Carter, Megan Kelly, Markus Lloyd, Cedric Neal, Sara Shelby-Martin, and Cara Statham Serber.
Also returning this holiday season will be The Santaland Diaries, a wickedly funny antidote to all of that holiday cheer from the comic mind of National Public Radio’s David Sedaris. Follow the adventures of an out-of-work, thirty-something actor who decides to become a Macy’s elf during the holiday crunch. The Santaland Diaries brings to life the bizarre and utterly surreal world of the modern commercial Christmas experience. The Santaland Diaries will once again feature Nye Cooper.
Rockin’ Christmas Party will run November 29 through December 23 on the Main Stage of the Addison Theatre Centre, which is located at 15650 Addison Road in Addison, Texas. Performance times are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Ticket prices range from $20 - $30.
The Santaland Diaries will run for 15 performances only from December 6 through December 23 in the Addison Theatre Centre’s Studio Theatre. Performances are Wednesdays through Sundays with various start times. For a complete schedule, visit the website at www.watertowertheatre.org. Ticket price is $25. The Santaland Diaries contains adult language and content and is intended for adult audiences.
Tickets for both shows are available by calling the WaterTower Theatre box office at 972.450.6232 or online at www.watertowertheatre.org. Group rates are also available.
07/23/2007 - WaterTower Theatre Announces the Addition of a "Discover Series" During the 2007-2008 Season
WaterTower Theatre (WTT) is proud to announce it will produce an inaugural second season titled the “Discover Series" in the Addison Theatre Centre’s Studio Theatre during the 2007-2008 Season. The new season will consist of the Regional Premiere of Douglas Carter Beane’s comedy The Little Dog Laughed, the Regional Premiere of Almost, Maine by John Cariani, and the Dallas Premiere of Mitch Albom and Jeffrey Hatcher’s Tuesdays with Morrie.
Artistic Associate James Paul Lemons states, “The addition of a second series in the Studio Theatre has been an internal goal of ours for a few years now, but the availability of performance rights and the Studio have never been quite right. This season, both the space and the shows we feel are right for the series became available – we felt it was now or never."
WTT’s 2007-2008 Discover Series consists of:
The Little Dog Laughed By Douglas Carter Beane October 25 – November 18, 2007
Mitchell Green is on the verge of living every Hollywood actor’s fairy-tale dream. Always photographed on the arms of beautiful women, he nevertheless has a little secret that could end his career once and for all – his recurring bouts of homosexuality. When Mitchell falls in love with his latest rent-boy, he wants to shout it from the rooftop and only his devilish agent Diane can ensure a happy ending as the final credits roll. The play contains nudity and sexual content.
Almost, Maine By John Cariani February 14 – March 2, 2008
On a Friday night in the middle of winter, residents of the small northern town of Almost, Maine are falling in and out of love at an alarming rate. With its hilarious and heartbreaking stories of love in the time of frostbite, Almost, Maine aims for the heart by way of the funnybone - a perfect romantic comedy for young and old alike.
Tuesdays with Morrie By Mitch Albom & Jeffrey Hatcher April 24 – May 11, 2008
When his former Brandeis sociology professor and mentor is diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, a career-obsessed sportswriter plans a brief visit to re-connect and say goodbye. As their friendship rekindles and the visits become a weekly ritual, both teacher and student discover a tender and touching connection to each other. A powerful, deeply emotional story, Tuesdays with Morrie examines the true meaning of life and love.
Season tickets for WTT’s 2007-2008 Discover Series are $50 each and can be purchased by calling the box office at 972.450.6232. Individual tickets are $20 and go on sale September 4, 2007 for Little Dog Laughed and January 2, 2008 for Almost, Maine and Tuesdays with Morrie. Performance times are Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM.
07/02/2007 - The Dream Café in Addison Hosts Special Event in July
The Dream Café in Addison is proud to support WaterTower Theatre (WTT) by hosting a Subscriber Appreciation Event on Wednesday, July 11 from 5:30PM - 7:00PM. Listed as one of WTT's "Restaurants of Choice," The Dream Café plans to premiere its very own Sugar Bean Sandwich at the event in honor of the upcoming production of The Sugar Bean Sisters. The evening will include wine and appetizers along with a meet 'n' greet with the cast and director of The Sugar Bean Sisters.
The Dream Café is located in the Village on the Parkway at 5100 Belt Line Road Suite #208. Seating is limited. Please RSVP to Judy Schecter at 972.450.6227 or email jschecter@watertowertheatre.org.
WaterTower Theatre offers a new podcast page that features conversations with the artistic staff of its productions. "As we venture into this new technology, it is our hope that podcasts open up a distinct dialogue between the artist and the patron," explains WTT Artistic Associate James Lemons. To suggest future topics, offer suggestions, or just to let WTT know that you are listening, drop an email to jlemons@watertowertheatre.org.
05/29/2007 - D Magazine Names WaterTower Theatre "The Best Theater in Dallas"
Dallas theater critic Glen Arbery sits down with WaterTower's Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin and Artistic Associate James Lemons for an in depth interview.
05/01/07 -
WaterTower Theatre Announces 2007-2008 Season
WaterTower Theatre (WTT) is pleased to announce its 2007-2008 season. Highlighting the new season will be a return visit to Armadillo Acres as WTT’s hit 2007 Out of the Loop show The Great American Trailer Park Musical sets up residence on the Main Stage, WTT’s first Shakespearean production with the romantic adventure As You Like It, and the regional premiere of noted playwright Lynn Nottage’s Intimate Apparel.
Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin states, “Our upcoming season is full of what we have become known for – great plays. From the new and outrageous like Trailer Park to classics like As You Like It, our commitment to telling great stories by great storytellers has never been stronger."
WTT’s 2007-2008 regular season lineup consists of:
The Great American Trailer Park Musical Book by Betsy Kelso; Music & Lyrics by David Nehls September 27 – October 21, 2007 There's a new tenant in Armadillo Acres, and she's wreaking havoc all over Florida's most exclusive trailer park! The double-wide divas of this fine housing establishment have survived everything from kidnapping to no-good men to bad perms. But when Pippi, a “stripper on the run," comes between agoraphobic housewife Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband, a storm begins to brew that will shake these manufactured homes right down to their mobile foundations. Warning: This musical contains tacky outfits, bad wigs, crude language, adultery, road kill, electrocution and spray cheese. So leave the little ones at home.
William Shakespeare’s As You Like It January 17 – February 10, 2008 Driven from her home by her usurping uncle, Rosalind seeks protection in the Forest of Arden. There she must use her wit and wisdom to mend wicked hearts, redeem the wrongfully slandered and explore the uncharted landscape of the heart. One of Shakespeare’s most magical and romantic adventures, As You Like It celebrates the enduring power of love in all its many disguises.
The Foreigner By Larry Shue April 3 – 27, 2008 Charlie Baker is pathologically shy. To distance himself from human contact, he travels to a remote fishing lodge in rural Georgia and poses as a foreigner who can neither speak nor understand a word of English. But the plan hilariously backfires when he becomes the perfect person with whom the locals share their deepest secrets and schemes. The Foreigner is a modern comic farce complete with mistaken identities, surprising plot twists, evil villains, and innocent damsels that will have you rolling in the aisles!
REGIONAL PREMIERE Intimate Apparel By Lynn Nottage May 22 – June15, 2008 Plain and unsophisticated, Esther sews exquisite lingerie for women of the boudoir and the brothel alike. When she begins a correspondence with a man from across the world, her hopes for finding companionship and love take an unexpected turn. The winner of five national awards for best play, Intimate Apparel weaves together a moving and evocative portrait of one African-American woman’s search for love at the beginning of the 20th Century.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; Book by Burt Shevelove & Larry Gelbart July 17 – August 10, 2008 “Tragedy tomorrow, comedy tonight!" A wily slave schemes, cajoles and manipulates all of ancient Rome to win his freedom in this uproarious musical farce by Stephen Sondheim. Hailed as one of the American musical theatre’s comedic masterpieces, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum combines a swaggering general, a dippy maiden, a doddering old man and a stable of sexy courtesans in a high-energy, high-jinx combination of vaudeville and burlesque.
In addition to the regular mainstage season, WaterTower Theatre will also produce:
HOLIDAY EXTRA Rockin’ Christmas Party By Dave Steakley November 29 – December 23, 2007 You asked for it. You begged for it. And now it’s back! After a three year hiatus, Rockin’ Christmas Party returns to the WaterTower stage. Six of the hippest performers in town and a swingin’ live band “rock around the Christmas tree" as they groove to Top 40 hits of the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s. Grab your hairspray, platform shoes, and Santa hat – and let the cast of Rockin’ Christmas Party “sock it to ya!"
SEASON EXTRA OUT OF THE LOOP FESTIVAL A 10-day celebration of theatre, dance, music and art March 1 – 11, 2007 WaterTower Theatre’s highly acclaimed Out of the Loop Festival returns for its seventh year. WTT teams with performing arts organizations from around the region to bring all three spaces at the Addison Theatre Centre to life with exciting, contemporary works. “Go Loopy" at the fastest growing arts festival in the region.
Season tickets for WTT’s 2006-2007 season can be purchased by calling the box office at 972.450.6232. Season ticket prices range from $65 to $125. Individual ticket prices range from $20 to $30 per show. Performance times are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2 PM. For further information regarding WTT season tickets, visit their website at www.watertowertheatre.org. Season extras are currently available only to season subscribers. Prices and show times for season extras vary. For specific information on season extras, call the WTT box office at 972.450.6232.
11/14/06 - WTT Wins 7 Leon Rabin Awards!
On Monday, November 13, WaterTower Theatre was thrilled to receive 7 Leon Rabin Awards from the Dallas Theatre League. The Leon Rabin Awards are named on behalf of the late arts patron Leon Rabin, who devoted his business and private life to the development of both art and artists in Dallas.
Nominations are made by two five-member committees (one for plays and one for musicals). The committees are comprised of local playwrights, actors, directors, designers and dramaturges. The winner is then selected by a committee made up of these nominators plus a five additional voters who saw every eligable production.
WaterTower Theatre's awards include:
Outstanding Musical - Urinetown
Outstanding Director of a Musical - James Paul Lemons, Urinetown
Outstanding Musical Director - Sheilah V. Walker, Urinetown
Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role, Musical - Joshua Doss, Urinetown
Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role, Musical - Paul Taylor, Urinetown
Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role, Play - Ted Wold, Take Me Out
Outstanding Set Design, Musical - Clare Floyd DeVries, Urinetown
10/01/06 - WaterTower Theatre Receives 6 Theatre Critics Forum Awards
WTT was honored to recently receive six citations from the Dallas Ft. Worth Theatre Critics Forum Awards. The awards are determined by Glenn Arbery of D Magazine, Nancy Churnin, Manuel Mendoza, & Lawson Taitte from The Dallas Morning News, Elaine Liner from the Dallas Observer, Mary Lowry & Perry Stewart from Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Martha Heimberg of Turtle Creek News and Arnold Wayne Jones of the Dallas Voice.
This year, awards were give to:
James Paul Lemons - Outstanding Direction for Urinetown the Musical and The Woman in Black
Joe Nemmers - Outstanding Performance by an Actor for performances including WTT's The Crucible
Paul Taylor - Outstanding Performance by an Actor for performances including WTT's Urinetown the Musical
Clay Yocum - Outstanding Performance by an Actor for performances including WTT's Take Me Out
Arianna Movassagh - Outstanding Performance by an Actress for performances including WTT's Urinetown the Musical
Clare Floyd DeVries - Outstanding Creative Contribution for scenic design of Urinetown the Musical
Congratulations to all WTT artists for their great accomplishments this season!
08/01/06 - Visit WaterTower Theatre on Myspace.com
Over the years, WaterTower Theatre has made a lot of friends! And we love keeping up with them on myspace.com. So visit us online, sign up to become a friend, and even leave us a comment if you are so inclinded. We look forward to seeing you online!
03/31/05 - WaterTower Theatre to be Featured on
National Public Radio's All Things Considered
National Public Radio’s All Things Considered has selected WaterTower Theatre as one of only seven theatres across the country to be highlighted during their “American Stages" series. The “American Stages" series, which debuted March 3, examines the rich history and cultural contributions of America’s regional theaters
WaterTower Theatre’s segment, which airs March 31, is entitled Theater Shape & Design. It explores how resident theaters looked beyond the proscenium arch to reshape auditoriums and make theater a more intimate experience. All Things Considered senior arts critic Bob Mondello visited the WaterTower Theatre March 13 – 15 in preparation for the segment.
The segment focuses specifically how WaterTower Theatre uses the Addison Theatre Centre, a 200 seat performance space that can be reconfigured in numerous seating configurations on an annual basis. Mr. Mondello witnessed the conversion of the space from a thrust configuration to a new configuration called “tennis court seating," a configuration where the audience sits across from one another with the playing space in the center.
Those interviewed for the segment include WaterTower Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director Terry Martin, Artistic Associate James Paul Lemons, and scenic designer Clare Floyd DeVries. Gary “Corky" Cunningham, architect and designer of the Addison Theatre Centre, was also interviewed for the story.
Other theatres highlighted on the “American Stages" include Arena Stage in Washington, DC (1976 Regional Theater Tony Award Winner), Borderlands Theater in Tuscon, Arizona, Perserverance Theater in Douglas, Alaska, Chicago’s Goodman (1992 Regional Theater Tony Award Winner), and the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, Alabama.
NPR is renowned for journalistic excellence and standard-setting news and entertainment programming. A privately supported, non-profit, membership organization, NPR serves a growing audience of 22 million Americans each week via more than 760 public radio stations.
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